Alone on Wicker Island This translates the Thai phrase "เกาะหวาย ไปคนเดียวก็ไหว" to English, meaning "Alone on Wicker Island, I can manage."

Have you ever had a story, a place, or a person that has stayed with you? For five or six years, I've had a place in mind that I've been determined to visit. It's not a far-flung continent or a half-world train ride away; it's just a bike ride to a province on the easternmost edge of our country: Koh Wai in Trat. About five or six years ago, when I was still a student, I came across a blog post by a foreign traveler who had visited this island, which I had never heard of before. Normally, when it comes to Trat, I only know Koh Chang, Koh Mak, and Koh Kood. In the review photos, there were just simple, rustic huts right on the beach with crystal-clear turquoise water and fine white sand. I thought to myself, "Does this place really exist? I want to see it for myself."

The provided text is empty. There is nothing to translate.

Today, we finally had the time and the courage to embark on a solo backpacking adventure. Just a few hours before our departure, we made inquiries about accommodation and ferry services. "Don't hesitate, or you'll miss out!" We invite anyone interested to join us.

Wua Talap Island is a tiny island (very small) located between Koh Chang and Koh Mak. It is so small that you might not even notice it on a map, and you probably wouldn't think that anyone lives there or that there are any interesting places to stay. But it is precisely this smallness that makes it so interesting, and there are actually several places to stay on the island. It is also a popular spot for snorkeling tours from Koh Chang and Koh Mak. Let's take a walk around the island and explore it.

Travel

We rushed to pack our bags without much time to prepare and hurried to catch the bus on time. The bus route was Bangkok - Trat, boarding at Ekamai with Cherdchai Tour, the last trip of the day at 11:30 PM, priced at 230 baht. We got a seat almost at the back, but luckily the seat next to us was empty. Maybe they saw us coming alone, so they gave us a single seat, we don't know. We stared blankly at the roadside until we fell asleep. When we woke up, it was after 4:00 AM, and we had arrived at Trat Bus Terminal. We woke up confused, and people were starting to get off the bus almost all the way.

Upon arriving at the pier, we were greeted by a group of friendly songthaew drivers who eagerly inquired about our destination. Still feeling a bit disoriented, we hopped onto a songthaew that had been waiting since early morning. The fare was 80 baht, and we joined a group of passengers heading to Koh Chang for the first ferry. Although our own ferry wasn't scheduled to depart until later in the morning, we decided to accompany the group to the Laem Ngop Pier. It was still dark when we arrived, and the passengers bound for Koh Chang were already making their way to board the ferry. Meanwhile, our group, destined for Koh Wai and Koh Mak, found ourselves swatting mosquitoes at the pier in front of the "Ko Chang Naval Battle Memorial."

We waited for the Seatales boat to Koh Wai, Koh Mak, and Koh Chang at 11:30 AM. Half an hour before the scheduled departure time, a shared taxi dropped us off at the pier. The boat fare was 450 baht per trip, and the journey took approximately 30 minutes. After leaving Koh Chang, we arrived at Koh Wai. The speedboat stopped near the beach of Koh Waii Paradise, and a floating platform was provided for us to disembark. The staff pulled the boat closer to the shore using a rope, as the boat could not approach the beach directly due to the absence of a pier and the risk of damaging the coral reefs.

We arrived at our accommodation after contacting them yesterday. We stayed in a small house (single room), number 18, which costs 400 baht per night. The bathroom is separate and located outside. Electricity is only available in the evening, from around 4 pm to 10 pm. After settling in, we ordered food. The prices might be slightly higher than outside, but considering it's a small island, importing ingredients can be challenging. Nevertheless, it was the best lunch with a view we could have asked for. The sky was clear, there was no rain, and beautiful clouds floated by.

After finishing our meal, we embarked on a leisurely stroll, aiming to reach the far end of the beach. We ambled along the various stretches of sand, starting from our accommodation. As we walked, we couldn't resist capturing the beauty of each resort and beach with our cameras. The natural splendor of the surroundings rendered any filters superfluous. The pristine beach near our lodging, with its crystal-clear water, was particularly captivating. The water's clarity was so remarkable that we felt compelled to taste it to confirm its authenticity as seawater. To our amusement, it was indeed salty.

Consecutive stays will result in a good feeling. The view here is also good, similar to the beachfront. The beach may not be as wide as the first one, but it has its own bathroom. Please inquire about the price.

The path winds its way up the mountain, then descends to the sandy beach. From there, you will reach either the Pakarang Resort or the Koh Wai Green Resort. However, both resorts appear deserted, and it is unclear if they are currently closed. In the middle of the sea, there is a lighthouse that is a popular spot for photography.

Venture deeper into the forest, navigating a series of gentle ascents and descents. As you pass a secluded beach, you'll arrive at the tranquil realm of Grandma's Hut. This secluded haven offers a serene escape, rarely frequented by visitors. During our recent visit, we encountered a friendly local uncle who informed us that the area was temporarily closed due to barking dogs. Undeterred, we continued our exploration, discovering a picturesque bay known as Grandma's Cove. The bay's gentle curve is adorned with a charming array of accommodations interspersed with swaying coconut palms. Following the uncle's advice, we embarked on a short hike to the adjacent beach, where we were greeted by a breathtaking vista. The fine, white sand and crystal-clear waters invited us to linger and soak in the beauty. As we rested beneath the shade of a beachside tree, we observed several boats carrying divers enjoying the underwater world. Regrettably, we had neglected to bring our snorkeling gear, missing out on an opportunity to explore the marine wonders.

The original text describes a personal experience on an island, likely inhabited by cats. The speaker mentions taking a nap, walking with a friendly dog, and encountering a Persian cat that they were hesitant to approach. They conclude by expressing their desire for a can of Coke.

Here is a formal academic translation of the text:

After a short nap, I took a walk with a dog, the same one that the foreigner had described as barking ferociously. In reality, the dog was quite friendly and endearing, even following me back to the "Good Feeling" area. However, I hesitated to pass by the Persian cat (yes, there are cats on this island, so much so that it could be called "Cat Island"). Panting from the walk, I returned to my accommodation and requested a can of Coke, my body desperately craving sugar.

After a short break, we returned to our room to prepare our snorkeling gear. The coral reefs here are incredibly shallow, so shallow that we were worried about scraping our knees on them while swimming and diving. We saw a variety of small fish, though we couldn't identify them all. We also spotted four or five parrotfish nibbling on the coral, and several sea urchins hiding in the crevices. We snorkeled until the sun began to set, then showered and went in search of food, feeling quite hungry.

Tonight, I have friends to chat with, so I won't be lonely anymore. Coming alone is like this, meeting new friends and new people all the time. It's almost ten o'clock now, so I should probably head back to my room before they turn off the lights. It's a bit hot, but there are a lot of clouds. So tonight, I'll sleep with the windows and doors open to let in the sea breeze.

The second day, I woke up around seven o'clock, probably because I was exhausted from the previous day. The weather was strangely overcast today. After walking along the beach for a while, I realized that I hadn't been to the viewpoint yet. So I walked over. There was a path leading up the hill near house number 22. The staff had warned me that it would be a bit tiring. After walking for a while, I had climbed up the hill and was now walking down. Where was the viewpoint? I was walking alone, but turning back didn't seem cool. So I walked a little further, climbing the hill a little more, and then I started to see the light.

And so we arrived at the sunset viewpoint, which we had climbed to see earlier in the morning. Ironically, as soon as we arrived, the sky began to rumble, reminding us that we had indeed come at the wrong time. This viewpoint overlooks the other side of the island's sea, facing Koh Mak. Although there is no beach on this side, the mountains, cliffs, and beautiful bay make it an ideal location for watching the sunset. If we were lucky, we would have walked up again in the evening. After soaking in the atmosphere until we forgot our hunger, the sky began to darken again, this time approaching relentlessly. It was time for us to run down the hill, up the hill, and down the hill again to get back to our accommodation before the large cloud turned into a downpour and drenched us.

We were fortunate to arrive at our accommodation just before the heavy rain began to fall. We spent the afternoon relaxing, reading, and eventually drifting off to sleep as the rain gently pattered on the roof.

Waking up to a clear sky after the rain had subsided, the sun beckoned us to the beach for another round of swimming and snorkeling. But first, our rumbling stomachs reminded us it was past noon. We ordered a plate of shrimp pad thai, a local dish served in generous portions, and devoured it as usual. After a quick nap and some sunbathing, we grabbed our snorkels and plunged into the water, chasing parrotfish. The underwater world was even more stunning than we had imagined. While some areas showed signs of degradation, the overall beauty and diversity of marine life remained impressive. We spent a considerable amount of time swimming and diving, fully immersed in the underwater spectacle. As the sky began to darken again, we reluctantly emerged from the water and headed for the showers. Initially apprehensive about the shared shower facilities, fearing the presence of geckos (a personal phobia), we were pleasantly surprised to find none. We did encounter a few lizards and toads, but eventually, we grew accustomed to their presence.

After a satisfying dinner, we took a leisurely stroll to enjoy the fresh air and reflect on the various experiences that have shaped our lives. This was our final night on Koh Wai, and we felt a sense of gratitude for the courage that led us to embark on this solo adventure, allowing us to visit a place we had long desired and engage in activities that brought us joy. Spending time alone provided an opportunity for introspection, enabling us to identify our true passions and aspirations. As we lay on the beach, listening to the rhythmic waves and feeling the cool sea breeze, our thoughts drifted aimlessly until the resort switched off the lights at ten o'clock, signaling our return to our cottage for a peaceful night's sleep.

...I will continue in the comments.

Day Three

A little past six in the morning, even though it was our last day and we had to board the boat back to the mainland in a few hours, we still wanted to make the most of our time on the island. So we woke up early and went for a walk to the other side of our accommodation, soaking in the sunrise. We spent a long time sitting on the rocks by the beach, and before we knew it, it was past seven o'clock. It was time to take a shower, pack our bags, and get ready to go home.

At precisely nine o'clock, the speedboat from Koh Mak arrived and docked in front of our accommodation. We were already sitting on a floating platform, waiting to board. The resort owner, along with his loyal dogs Makham and Mali, waved us goodbye as we boarded the boat. It was time for us to bid farewell to this island paradise. We didn't know when we would have the chance to return, but we were deeply impressed by our experience. We didn't want to leave, but all journeys must come to an end. We had to return to our responsibilities. This trip felt like a journey to replenish our spirits, to escape the fatigue and challenges of life. We filled ourselves with joy and laughter, creating memories that would bring us comfort whenever we recall them.

Thank you to everyone who has read this far. This is a story about our feelings and experiences during our travels. It is not just a short travel review, but a record of our emotions as we explored new places and met new people. If you have read this far, it means that you have entered our record. Please stay tuned for our next record on our page https://www.facebook.com/Termtemtung which will be coming soon. Thank you very much.

A concise summary of a solo trip to Koh Wai (this is truly a concise summary).

📍Location: Ko Wai, Trat Province, Thailand (two nights, three days)

Accommodation: Koh Waii Paradise

Transportation: Bus from Ekkamai to Trat (Bus Terminal)

Continue with a two-row car Trat - Laem Ngop

Speedboat from Laem Ngop to Koh Mak (with a stop at Koh Wai)

🍴 Food: Affordable restaurants near Laem Ngop Pier.

The restaurant at the island resort is expensive, with prices ranging from 100 to 150 baht (likely due to transportation costs). However, the food is delicious and the portions are very generous.

There are two restaurants at Trat Bus Terminal. The food is edible and can satisfy your hunger for the day. The prices are reasonable.

🔍 Activity: Stroll along the various beaches around Koh Wai, the walking path stretches from Koh Wai Paradise to Ao Yama. Along the way, there are many beaches to stop and take pictures, or relax on a stylish swing.

Snorkeling at the Beach: A Private Paradise

Just a 20-step walk from our accommodation, we encountered a vibrant coral reef right on the beachfront. This provided an incredibly private snorkeling experience. Equipped with our own snorkels (although rentals are available at the resort), we were greeted by a kaleidoscope of colorful fish, vibrant starfish, and parrotfish nibbling on the coral. We even had to dodge the occasional sea urchin, adding a touch of excitement to the adventure. The shallow depth and excellent visibility allowed us to explore at our own pace, lingering at particularly captivating spots. This intimate encounter with the underwater world was truly unforgettable.

Hike to the sunset viewpoint

The trailhead for the hike to the sunset viewpoint is located near cabin number 22. The hike is not particularly challenging, but it can be a bit lonely if you're hiking alone. The trail involves an initial climb followed by a descent, and then another climb. The total hiking time is approximately 15 minutes, depending on your pace.

Kayaks are available for rent, allowing you to paddle around the beach or even circumnavigate the island. However, I opted out of kayaking because paddling alone felt too lonely. Seeing couples paddling together made me envious of their love. 5555 I decided to go scuba diving instead.

Another unmissable activity, given the island's tranquility and ideal setting for relaxation, is simply sleeping. Whether it's sunbathing on the beach, floating in the water with a life jacket, stargazing while listening to the waves, or napping indoors to the sound of rain, sleep is the ultimate indulgence. Bring a book or borrow one from your accommodation; there's plenty to keep you entertained. Sometimes, the best way to unwind on vacation is to do absolutely nothing.

What you should know about this place📝

1. Electricity is not available all the time. The generator runs from approximately 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. There are no electrical outlets in the rooms. Guests are welcome to charge their devices in the lobby area.

2. Due to our location in the heart of nature, the accommodations (minimum two-night stay) are basic, offering only a bed, pillows, mosquito net, and blanket. Guests are encouraged to bring any additional amenities they may require (note: there are no en-suite bathrooms). While the accommodations are back to basics, the breathtaking views from the balcony of each house are more than worth it.

3. Mosquitoes are extremely abundant and large. They are also very aggressive and persistent, refusing to be swatted away. Therefore, it is highly recommended to bring both repellent and mosquito spray.

4. The weather is unpredictable. On our first day, it was sweltering, but after a tiring day of diving, we slept soundly with the windows open and a gentle breeze. On the second day, it rained all day and drizzled at night, making us feel cold. We had to close the windows and cover ourselves with blankets. You'll have to experience the weather for yourself to see what it's like.

5. Be careful not to fall off the boat, as it is a small island and only a few resorts are currently open. Therefore, before traveling, you should contact the boat company and allow extra time for travel.

💸💸 Trip Expenses 💸💸

Roundtrip Bus Ticket (Cherchai) Ekkamai - Trat: 460 Baht

Public Songthaew from Trat to Laem Ngop: 140 Baht (80 Baht one way, 60 Baht return)

Speedboat Seatales Laem Ngop - Koh Wai 900 Baht

Accommodation at Koh Waii Paradise is 800 baht per night (400 baht for a small house for one person).

Food and drinks total approximately 800 baht.

The total cost for a solo trip to Koh Wai for 3 days and 2 nights is 3,100 baht.

The price is very reasonable for a trip to the sea in Trat province, including snorkeling on a private beach. Don't forget to add Koh Wai to your list and see if you'll love it as much as we do.